Heikki Ruokangas (b. 1987) is an innovative guitarist,  composer and improviser from Oulu, Finland. His music is a dialogue between melody and noise, shifting from soothing and sensitive moments to violent avant-garde expression, to distinct melodies and atonal motifs. Ruokangas draws his inspiration from avant-garde, contemporary, and traditional jazz as well as from his native Finnish musical heritage and traditions. He’s performed in United States and throughout Europe and has released over 20 collaborative and solo recordings.

Ruokangas’ latest solo guitar album ”Karu” was released on New York based 577 Records.  This worldbuilding collection of solo guitar is striking in its immediacy while additional dimensions of complexity are revealed with every breath, creak and avant-garde notion of tradition. Unhurried and spontaneous yet fully considered. Highly influenced by Finnish cultural achievements and the nation’s ecology.